The Easter Vigil and Service of Light

Tonight we think of the resurrection taking place in the hiddenness of night, watched by no-one. We hear readings from the Bible, recalling God’s work of creation and salvation through time. We light a fire, a symbol of God’s presence: God appeared to Moses in flames of fire in the burning bush and the Paschal Candles are lit from the fire.

The music for this service was recorded remotely by Ginette and Peter Nye in their house and Steve and Gill Robinson in their house and the different tracks then mixed together by Steve

The Easter Vigil

The introduction and first part of the Vigil: Creation

Brothers and sisters in Christ, on this most holy night, in which our Lord Jesus Christ passed over from death to life, the church invites her members, dispersed throughout the world, to gather in vigil and prayer.

As we await the risen Christ, let us hear the record of God’s saving deeds in history, recalling how he saved his people in ages past and in the fullness of time sent his Son to be our Redeemer; and let us pray that through this Easter celebration, God may bring to perfection in each of us the saving work he has begun.

Listen to a reading from Genesis 2: 4-10
Read by Liam Harvey

The hymn ‘Cause me to come to Thy river, O Lord’ is sung
Cause me to come to Thy river, O Lord
Cause me to come to Thy river, O Lord
Cause me to come to Thy river, O Lord
Cause me to come, cause me to drink,
Cause me to live.

Cause me to drink from Thy river, O Lord
Cause me to drink from Thy river, O Lord
Cause me to drink from Thy river, O Lord
Cause me to come, cause me to drink,
Cause me to live.

Cause me to live by Thy river, O Lord
Cause me to live by Thy river, O Lord
Cause me to live by Thy river, O Lord
Cause me to come, cause me to drink,
Cause me to live.

Almighty God, who wonderfully created us in your own image and yet more wonderfully restored us through your Son Jesus Christ: grant that, as he came to share in our humanity, so we may share the life of his divinity; who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The second part of the Vigil: Deliverance

Listen to a reading from Exodus 14: 15 to the end
Read by Helen Goudie

The hymn ‘Do not be afraid’ is sung
Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name; you are mine.

When you walk through the waters I’ll be with you,
You will never have to sink beneath the waves.

When the fire is burning all around you,
You will never be consumed by the flames.

When the fear of loneliness is looming,
Then remember I am at your side.

When you dwell in the exile of a stranger,
Remember you are precious in my eyes.

You are mine, O my child; I am your father,
And I love you with a perfect love.

Lord God our redeemer, who heard the cry of your people and sent your servant Moses to lead them out of slavery: free us from the tyranny of sin and death and, by the leading of your Spirit, bring us to our promised land; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The third part of the Vigil: Reconciliation

Listen to a reading from Hebrews 1: 1-3
Read by David Spruce

The hymn ‘Give thanks with a grateful heart’ is sung
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son
And now let the weak say, “I am strong”
Let the poor say, “I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us”
And now let the weak say, “I am strong”
Let the poor say, “I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us”

Almighty God, who called your Church to witness that you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself; help us so to proclaim the good news of your love, that all who hear it may be reconciled to you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.

The Service of Light

The new fire is blessed and a paschal candle is inscribed with the sign of the cross, the alpha and the omega and the numerals of the year, 2020. Five nails are inserted into the candle to represent the five wounds of Christ on the cross – two in his hands, two in his feet and one in his side. Three paschal candles are lit for the three parishes of the benefice: St Bartholomew, Burstow, St Mary the Virgin, Horne and St John the Baptist, Outwood

The Exultet, an ancient Easter song of praise, is sung

Sing choirs of heaven! Let saints and angels sing!
Around God’s throne exult in harmony!
Now Jesus Christ is risen from the grave!
Salute your king in glorious symphony!

Sing choirs of earth! Behold, your light has come!
The glory of the Lord shines radiantly!
Lift up your hearts, for Christ has conquered death!
The night is past; the day of life is here!

Sing church of God! Exult with joy outpoured!
The gospel trumpets tell of victory won!
Your Saviour lives: he’s with you evermore!
Let all God’s people shout the long Amen!